If you feel like you have hit a brick wall and life seems to be moving in slow motion, then this might be a sign that there is an underlying problem and you need to get help. Sometimes, when we are going through it, life can have a way of bringing up painful memories. If you are in this boat and are experiencing many complicated emotions and intrusive negative thoughts, here are some signs that you need to see a therapist.
Your Emotions Go From Zero to 100
When life gets overwhelming, it can be challenging to stabilize our emotions and stay centered and grounded. If you find yourself getting irritated quickly or discovering that your emotions escalate swiftly and without warning, it's time to talk to someone on many occasions.
You're Struggling At Work
A decrease in work or school performance is a sign that you may be struggling. Suppose you find yourself not being able to focus and constantly getting agitated. In that case, this can result in an apathy which will eventually sap away the feeling of enjoyment or accomplishment that you get from being in school or going to work every day. A therapist can help.
You're Not Eating Or Sleeping Well
This is a common sure-fire sign that you may need the help of a therapist. Food and proper sleep are essential parts of living a whole and healthy life. If you are not eating as much as you need or sleeping properly because you are stressed and overwhelmed, it can cause you to become a nervous and emotional wreck, which can be dangerous to your psyche. If you are experiencing this, it may be time to take a step back and address the issue.
Your Trauma Is Getting In The Way
If you experienced any trauma as a child or young adult, it could stay with you for years. The thing with trauma is that even if we suppress and run from it for years, it can resurface in other parts of our lives. Psychotherapy can be effective by helping you talk about it and address the underlying issues to develop a new line of thinking.
You Feel Stuck
There are certain times when we feel stuck and unable to move forward. It can be very easy to fall into a deep rut and not make any real progress. Therapy can help you discover what is making you feel stuck, and a well-trained and empathetic therapist can help you better navigate the situation.
Your Weight Is Off
Although it is natural for women to have fluctuating weight over time, excessive stress and emotional baggage can throw your weight further off-kilter. This can go hand in hand with your sleeping and eating rhythm. If you find yourself overeating or not eating at all, this can cause you to experience significant weight changes, and it can be a sign of a brewing mental health issue.
Your Coping Skills Are Unhealthy
Negative emotions and uncomfortable feelings can make even the most centered person engage in unhealthy habits. If you notice that you are suddenly drinking too much, shopping too much, or doing something that you know could be harmful to you down the line, then it is time to talk to someone because unhealthy coping skills will only make the situation worse.
You Feel Hopeless
If you find yourself getting overwhelmed with thoughts of the future and thinking that everything feels bleak, you may be dealing with a form of depression. A good therapist can help you target the negativity you feel, analyze how true those thoughts are, and figure out ways to navigate them.
You Don't Care Anymore
When you start to notice that something is off with you, it is a great time to take a step back and evaluate what the cause might be. One red flag to keep an eye out for is if you notice that you have suddenly stopped caring about everything that once mattered to you. If this is the case, seek help immediately and try to come up with a plan to work through the issue with your therapist.
You Feel Nervous In Social Situations
Social anxiety is a big issue for people on the brink of a mental breakdown. If you notice yourself suddenly avoiding going out with friends or family or opting to stay alone more often, it could point to a more severe issue. There is nothing wrong with enjoying your own company when you are not actively avoiding someone, but therapy is a good idea when anxiety kicks in, and you don't want to be around anyone else.